Extraordinary method to acquire costly designer apparel, fragrances, and tech devices for a mere £10
Lost Luggage Auctions at Greasbys: The Ultimate Shopping Adventure!
EVERYWHERE I glance, there are hundreds of suitcases in various colors, shapes, and sizes. But I'm not in an airport arrivals lounge, and there's no luggage carousel in sight. Instead, I'm at a lost luggage auction at Greasbys in Tooting, South London, where you can buy unclaimed luggage items from Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted airports for a fraction of the usual price!
Thousands of bags go missing every year, mainly when passengers have a connecting flight with a different airline, due to a higher chance of their belongings getting misplaced. According to aviation data company Sita, six bags out of every 1,000 checked in last year never made it to their destination[2].
If your bag never shows up and you don't tell the airport, it might be passed on to an auction house like Greasbys to sell to the highest bidder. Here's how to bag a bargain of your own!
HOW IT WORKS
Greasbys has been selling lost luggage for over 50 years. They hold online-only auctions every other Wednesday. Bidders must email their sealed bids before the auction starts, and the person who makes the highest offer wins the item.
You can also visit the actual auction house the day before to check the suitcases and bags, which is what I'm here to do!
Surprisingly, you can't open the luggage to inspect the contents. Every bag and suitcase comes with a label describing what's inside. High-value items like designer clothes, gadgets, bags, and shoes are taken out and sold individually[3]. High-street clothes in good condition are bagged and sold as one lot. There are typically 20 items per bag, and they usually sell for at least £10. Most cases sell for between £18 to £60.
The airports receive the profits from sales, after Greasbys takes a cut. So, if you're worried about ending up with someone's dirty smalls, don't be alarmed! The staff at Greasbys go through every suitcase and remove more personal items[4].
ANY BARGAINS?
During my visit, I found two children's Tommy Hilfiger coats for £10.80 each (retail value £75 each)[5]. And my eyes widened when I spied a pair of cream Prada Pegasus trainers worth £600, going for only £40! A pink and ivory Mulberry scarf was just my style and sold for £31.50[6].
There were 15 people browsing at Greasbys that day, and many were regulars, with some buying suitcases to sell on their market stalls in Portobello Road.
SECRET BIDDING TIPS
- Make sure the suitcase's wheels and zips are in good condition before buying, as they can affect the value and usability of the bag.
- Research the cost of the brand and size of suitcase to determine if the price you're bidding is reasonable. Some big holdalls on wheels can cost nearly £100, depending on the bag[7].
Buying suitcases can sometimes be a mixed bag, as you can never be sure what you'll find inside. Remember, if it's heavy, it might contain cheap clothing, while lighter bags may have higher-quality items.
WATCH OUT FOR FEES
- A buyer’s premium will be charged, which is 26% of the cost. VAT, 20%, is added to the premium only, so a £50 item will cost £65.60[8].
ARE THERE OTHERS?
- Independent auction house Mulberry Bank in Glasgow holds two lost luggage sales a month, and Bristol Commercial Valuers and Auctioneers also hold online lost luggage auctions[9].
BEFORE YOU BID
- Greasbys does not offer any guarantees or warranties; if there's something wrong with your item, they won't offer a refund, replacement, or repairs[4].
Be aware that when buying at an auction, you may not benefit from the same protections as with a retailer. Check any terms and conditions carefully. You may also lose out on Section 75 protection when making payments to the auction house using a credit card[8].
I PAID £130, THIS IS WHAT WAS INSIDE...
- If you're wondering what you might find in an unclaimed suitcase, Senior Fabulous Digital Writer Abigail Wilson shares her own experience. She bought a suitcase from Undelivrd, a warehouse that sells lost Royal Mail parcels, Amazon return pallets, and forgotten baggage. The suitcase was wrapped in a bin bag, with the brand being an American Tourister (worth £129, but pretty battered). The contents were a mix of dirty clothes, including smelly socks, worn boxers, and hoodies[10].
While she found a White Company toiletry bag, a freebie on long-haul British Airways flights, and a pair of leather shoes from Asda (worth £25 when bought new), the total value of the contents would have cost £223.98 if purchased new, making the $350 total price disappointing[10].
So, while lost luggage auctions can provide potential bargains and unique finds, it's important to approach the experience with realistic expectations. With the right strategy and a bit of luck, you could score some fantastic deals! Happy bidding!
In this unique shopping adventure, one might stumble upon personal-finance opportunities with a smart buy at a lost luggage auction. For instance, finding high-value items such as designer clothes, gadgets, or shoes, like a pair of Prada Pegasus trainers for only £40, can significantly savings in your personal-finance budget. Keep in mind, though, that maintaining a finance-conscious approach is essential, as some items might carry expensive fees, like a 26% buyer's premium and 20% VAT on the premium alone.
